Win Up to $15,000 From Brooklyn Public Library to Start a Business

Win Up to $15,000 From Brooklyn Public Library to Start a Business
PowerUP

We’ve gotten tons of good business ideas for the various vacant storefronts in the neighborhood. Why not make one of those ideas a reality?

Now in its 10th year, the Brooklyn Public Library’s PowerUP! Competition, sponsored by Citi Foundation, is accepting entries.

Who Can Enter?
If you live in Brooklyn and want to start a business in Brooklyn, you are eligible. “Power UP!” is a competition to help applicants start a business. Additional details, including the competition rules and the application process will be supplied at each orientation session.
What Are the Prizes?
First Place – $15,000
Two Second Place prizes – $5,000
Three Merit Awards – $750
Honorable Mention – $500

The next orientation session is this Wednesday, March 6. Sign up here for that date or any of the following dates:

Business & Career Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West
Tuesday, February 26, 6-7:30pm
Thursday, February 28, 9-10:30am
Wednesday, March 6, 6-7:30pm
Saturday, March 23, 10:30am-12pm
Saturday, March 23, 3-4:30pmJamaica Bay Library, 9727 Seaview Avenue
Wednesday, March 13, 6-7:30pm
Washington Irving Library, 360 Irving Avenue
Thursday, March 28, 6-7:30pm
Central Library Dweck Center10 Grand Army Plaza
Thursday, April 4, 6:30-8pm

Remember — attending an orientation session is

mandatory

.

In addition to the cash awards, the competition also provides resources for ALL participants, including classes on various business skills and access to business counselors in the community.

Past neighborhood winners include Lark Cafe (2011 Honorable Mention) and Kasia Nikhamina and Ilya Nikhamin (2012 Honorable Mention for their DUMBO bike shop Redbeard Bikes). Let’s see if we can build on those and nab the big fish this year!